Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding diabetes among ministry of health primary healthcare physicians in Jeddah, Jul 2018: A cross sectional study
Role of primary care physicians in management of diabetes mellitus is very essential. Their attitudes and practices are influenced by their knowledge; therefore, the importance of healthcare providers in promoting understanding and helpful attitudes about diabetes cannot be underestimated.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted throughout the period 1st June to 31st August 2018 among a representative sample of general practitioners working at Ministry of Health (MOH) primary health care centres in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Sample size was 181 physicians. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. It is comprised of four sections, starting with demographic information and clinical experience, 12 questions measuring the respondent's knowledge of diabetes diagnosis, treatment and complications, 9 questions evaluating physician's attitude towards diabetes control and 6 questions measuring the physician's practices toward their diabetic patients. Main objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of general physicians regarding diabetes in Jeddah city on July 2018.
Results
Total of 181 physicians were distributed the questionnaires, 171 physicians answered, response rate 95%. Females represent 58.5% of them. Almost half of them (50.9%) aged between 30 and 39 years. 82.5% of the physicians were Saudis. Overall, the knowledge score percentage ranged between 8.33% and 100% with a mean of 69.7% and standard deviation of ±9.4%. Male physicians (p=0.007), those working at diabetic clinics (p<0.001) and have seen between 51 and 100 patients/week (p=0.005) were more knowledgeable. Overall, based on median level of the attitude score, more than half of the physicians (54.4%) had positive attitude towards DM and its control. Overall, the practice score percentage ranged between 0% and 100% with a mean of 67.3% and standard deviation of 22.8%. Physicians working at diabetic clinics (p<0.001) and those without history of DM among first degree relatives (p=0.036) expressed better practice than others.
Conclusion
Physicians had fair knowledge regarding DM with deficiency in some important aspects. Their attitude towards diabetic control is quite acceptable. However, their practice regarding some important aspects was suboptimal.